EVENING GAZETTE (Middlesborough, UK) 27 May 03 Raiders steal tortoises from shelter
Valuable tortoises have been stolen from a Skinningrove animal and bird sanctuary just weeks after it reopened following months of brutal attacks.
Wallabies and other animals were slaughtered last year in a series of raids at the Hope Animal Centre, which is run by volunteer enthusiast Cliff Spedding.
Cliff was forced to close the centre and regroup before deciding to open up again in March.
Now thieves have taken five adult tortoises - two of which need to be kept warm, otherwise they could die.
Cliff said: "Some of them were rescued, some were acquired as pets and they were very popular with children visiting us.
"If they are offered for sale it will be obvious they are stolen as the thieves have no proper paperwork, which you need nowadays. Also, one of the tortoises is microchipped and can be identified.
"It is very disheartening so soon after reopening, but it won't put a stop to the centre."
* Cleveland Police urge anyone who is offered a tortoise to call 01642 326326.
Raiders steal tortoises from shelter